Welcome to the Tavistock Museum Website
We are a town and community museum situated at the historic Court Gate in the centre of Tavistock. Our exhibitions and stories will fascinate the whole family!
There’s plenty to discover at Tavistock Museum!
- Explore the history of Tavistock’s once magnificent Medieval Abbey.
- Find out why local hero Sir Francis Drake is now such a controversial figure.
- Discover how the town lost its two railway stations.
- Learn how the Tamar Valley and Tavistock came to form part of the Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
Tavistock Museum has a wide range of books and DVDs available. Pop in and have a browse.
Tavistock Museum is run by a charitable trust and staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers. Could you spare some time to help out with our town and community museum? Find out how you could get involved!
What's Happening?
Evacuees in Tavistock
This exhibition was inspired by the evacuee experience of one of our lovely visitors last year, Ken Bell, who shared his story of being sent to Tavistock and never left.
Complete with Word War 2 sound effects to remind visitors of the importance of blackouts, the exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into domestic life in a time of rationing, Dig for Victory, air raid precautions and the Home Guard.
Come and meet our fictional evacuee – Alfie Slater – ready to go on to his temporary home in his period clothing and suitcase containing everything he’d need.
The Railways of Tavistock 2025
Our previous, mini exhibition has been extended for 2025 to provide more information on Tavistock North and Tavistock South Railway Stations.
Tavistock once boasted not one, but two railway stations! The London and South Western line ran through Tavistock North station and the Great Western Railway line through Tavistock South.
Visit our exhibition to find out more about their importance to the town, their eventual closure and about the movement to get a station reinstated once again for Tavistock.
With many before and after photos, this is an engaging exhibition for everyone.
Mines, Minerals and Maidens
Did you know that Tavistock Museum is an Area Centre for the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site?
In 2006, the Tamar Valley and Tavistock were jointly named as one of 10 areas in Cornwall and West Devon to be awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. That means we sit alongside the likes of the Taj Mahal, The Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef, the Amalfi Coast and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Our 2025 exhibition looks at the mining heritage, minerals and Bal Maidens – the women who worked in the industry – of West Devon and the Tamar Valley area.
Markets, Trades and Occupations
Tavistock has always been a thriving centre of commerce and its markets, trades and occupations are brought to life through our exhibition.
Agricultural implements highlight how the sector has changed over the years and items from the town itself include books and objects from local chemists and dairies as well as tourist mementoes.
Our textiles display includes fashion and accessories and make sure you check out what was once the latest in cutting-edge technology – a magic lantern and slides – plus many more items that give a glimpse into this rich tapestry of everyday life.
How to Find Us
The front entrance to the museum is tucked away in the corner of Guildhall Square. There is a small, short-term car park in the square and long-term parking options within walking distance.
Please note we only have disabled access to the ground floor welcome area, audio-visual room and museum shop. The two main galleries are on the first floor of the building and accessible only by stairs.
Opening Times
11 am – 3 pm Tuesday – Saturday from 1 April to 31 October 2025.
All other times by prior arrangement only.
We welcome school visits – please contact us to arrange your trip!
